A method-mix for intercultural user interface design (IUID) is explained and exemplified by application examples based on a hybrid approach covering cultural contexts in human-computer interaction (HCI) design using a...A method-mix for intercultural user interface design (IUID) is explained and exemplified by application examples based on a hybrid approach covering cultural contexts in human-computer interaction (HCI) design using a model of culturally influenced HCI. Cultural influence on HCI is described using cultural variables for user interface design. Assumptions and empirical results regarding the influence of culture on HCI, considering the path of the information processing and the interaction style between Chinese and German users are explained based on cultural models. Subsequent indicators represent the relationship between culture and HCI (culturally imprinted by the user). Correlations adopted theoretically between cultural dimensions and variables for HCI design were investigated. These correlations represent relevant constituents of a model for culturally influenced HCI. Considerations applying this model and evidence for the proper application of the IUID method-mix are presented elucidating why and how cultural aspects play a role in HCI design and usability/UX engineering. The IUID method-mix serves to inspire HCI engineers in the requirement analysis phase as well as HCI designers in the design phase. The readers are thereby sensitized to the challenges of intercultural usability/UX engineering and intercultural HCI design and will be equipped with methodological knowledge relevant to the derivation of design recommendations for user interface design for and in their desired cultural contexts. Finally, implications for practitioners are shown, including HCI style scores and practical design recommendations, to prognosticate the effort and the expenditures for considering the cultural context in IUID.展开更多
The design of mini-missiles(MMs)presents several novel challenges.The stringent mission requirement to reach a target with a certain precision imposes a high guidance precision.The miniaturization of the size of MMs m...The design of mini-missiles(MMs)presents several novel challenges.The stringent mission requirement to reach a target with a certain precision imposes a high guidance precision.The miniaturization of the size of MMs makes the design of the guidance,navigation,and control(GNC)have a larger-thanbefore impact on the main-body design(shape,motor,and layout design)and its design objective,i.e.,flight performance.Pursuing a trade-off between flight performance and guidance precision,all the relevant interactions have to be accounted for in the design of the main body and the GNC system.Herein,a multi-objective and multidisciplinary design optimization(MDO)is proposed.Disciplines pertinent to motor,aerodynamics,layout,trajectory,flight dynamics,control,and guidance are included in the proposed MDO framework.The optimization problem seeks to maximize the range and minimize the guidance error.The problem is solved by using the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II.An optimum design that balances a longer range with a smaller guidance error is obtained.Finally,lessons learned about the design of the MM and insights into the trade-off between flight performance and guidance precision are given by comparing the optimum design to a design provided by the traditional approach.展开更多
Automatically mapping a requirement specification to design model in Software Engineering is an open complex problem. Existing methods use a complex manual process that use the knowledge from the requirement specifica...Automatically mapping a requirement specification to design model in Software Engineering is an open complex problem. Existing methods use a complex manual process that use the knowledge from the requirement specification/modeling and the design, and try to find a good match between them. The key task done by designers is to convert a natural language based requirement specification (or corresponding UML based representation) into a predominantly computer language based design model—thus the process is very complex as there is a very large gap between our natural language and computer language. Moreover, this is not just a simple language conversion, but rather a complex knowledge conversion that can lead to meaningful design implementation. In this paper, we describe an automated method to map Requirement Model to Design Model and thus automate/partially automate the Structured Design (SD) process. We believe, this is the first logical step in mapping a more complex requirement specification to design model. We call it IRTDM (Intelligent Agent based requirement model to design model mapping). The main theme of IRTDM is to use some AI (Artificial Intelligence) based algorithms, semantic representation using Ontology or Predicate Logic, design structures using some well known design framework and Machine Learning algorithms for learning over time. Semantics help convert natural language based requirement specification (and associated UML representation) into high level design model followed by mapping to design structures. AI method can also be used to convert high level design structures into lower level design which then can be refined further by some manual and/or semi automated process. We emphasize that automation is one of the key ways to minimize the software cost, and is very important for all, especially, for the “Design for the Bottom 90% People” or BOP (Base of the Pyramid People).展开更多
After analysis of location feature of the south of lower reaches of Yangtze River and its construction of urban and rural integration,the paper pointed out harmonious combination between natural and artificial factors...After analysis of location feature of the south of lower reaches of Yangtze River and its construction of urban and rural integration,the paper pointed out harmonious combination between natural and artificial factors had been neglected in planning and design of farmers' residential area at the south of lower reaches of Yangtze River,"regional characteristic" losing,residential area in the form of "city community" and buildings in European style.In view of these problems,relevant planning and design thoughts and methods had been proposed as to how to create "regional characteristic" from the perspective of planning,architecture and landscape design.It discussed with emphasis the importance of construction base type and combination of environment with residential area construction;inspirations and design methods obtained from traditional architectures;and the content of landscape overall planning and specific design.It was hoped to enlighten designers to shoulder social and historical responsibility,make exploration unremittingly,and construct beautiful homelands for people.展开更多
With the continuous advancement in topology optimization and additive manufacturing(AM)technology,the capability to fabricate functionally graded materials and intricate cellular structures with spatially varying micr...With the continuous advancement in topology optimization and additive manufacturing(AM)technology,the capability to fabricate functionally graded materials and intricate cellular structures with spatially varying microstructures has grown significantly.However,a critical challenge is encountered in the design of these structures–the absence of robust interface connections between adjacent microstructures,potentially resulting in diminished efficiency or macroscopic failure.A Hybrid Level Set Method(HLSM)is proposed,specifically designed to enhance connectivity among non-uniform microstructures,contributing to the design of functionally graded cellular structures.The HLSM introduces a pioneering algorithm for effectively blending heterogeneous microstructure interfaces.Initially,an interpolation algorithm is presented to construct transition microstructures seamlessly connected on both sides.Subsequently,the algorithm enables the morphing of non-uniform unit cells to seamlessly adapt to interconnected adjacent microstructures.The method,seamlessly integrated into a multi-scale topology optimization framework using the level set method,exhibits its efficacy through numerical examples,showcasing its prowess in optimizing 2D and 3D functionally graded materials(FGM)and multi-scale topology optimization.In essence,the pressing issue of interface connections in complex structure design is not only addressed but also a robust methodology is introduced,substantiated by numerical evidence,advancing optimization capabilities in the realm of functionally graded materials and cellular structures.展开更多
Due to the high cost for operating and maintaining waterscapes, waterscapes in many residential areas have been laid aside and even become pollution sources. Taking MCC Beiluyuan (Residential Area) in Chongqing Munici...Due to the high cost for operating and maintaining waterscapes, waterscapes in many residential areas have been laid aside and even become pollution sources. Taking MCC Beiluyuan (Residential Area) in Chongqing Municipality for example, concrete strategies of using natural terrains to design rain garden and eco-pool, collect rainwater, construct bottom of the bath, and combine plants were introduced, so as to explore a new approach of creating green and ecological modern residential landscapes.展开更多
One of the major challenges in designing and fabricating Spintronic devices is the choice of both, Materials and the Technology, along with understanding the intricacies of the Designing aspects. In this communication...One of the major challenges in designing and fabricating Spintronic devices is the choice of both, Materials and the Technology, along with understanding the intricacies of the Designing aspects. In this communication, we have attempted to briefly discuss these factors, with an aim to draw the attention of the Materials Scientists and Technologists to this serious challenge, in the direction of which, though a lot of research and development work has been done, still needs more concerted efforts to be made in order to make the Spintronic devices that can offer good efficiency for maximizing their usefulness.展开更多
Objective: This paper reviewed and examined the quality of all the qualitative evaluation studies indexed by two key search terms of “qualitative” and “evaluation” in the Social Work Abstracts database from 1990 t...Objective: This paper reviewed and examined the quality of all the qualitative evaluation studies indexed by two key search terms of “qualitative” and “evaluation” in the Social Work Abstracts database from 1990 to 2003 against a number of criteria typically adopted in the field of qualitative research. The review led to a dissatisfactory finding of the low quality of many qualitative evaluation studies due to their insensitivity to the following issues: philosophical basis of the study, auditability (detailed documentation of the participants and data collecting procedure), biases (acknowledgement of biases and preoccupation, and steps to deal with them), credibility or trustworthiness (triangulation, peer checking and participant verification of the findings), consistency (reliability consciousness and audit trails), and critical interpretation of the data (alternative explanations, disconfirming evidence, and limitations of the study). It was recommended that researchers be cautious when utilizing findings from the published qualitative evaluation studies; that social workers be sensitive to the issue of quality when conducting qualitative evaluation studies; that researchers be critical when judging the qualitative evaluation studies in social work; that researchers develop a clear set of guidelines for qualitative studies; that social work training institutes design qualified qualitative research courses; that a database of social work in China be established; that researchers be engaged in more qualitative studies that demonstrate high quality; that myths in qualitative research be debunked; and that adequate training for social workers on qualitative evaluation studies be provided.展开更多
A cross-layer design which combines adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) at the physical layer with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) protocol at the data link layer (LL) is presented, in cooperative relay syst...A cross-layer design which combines adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) at the physical layer with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) protocol at the data link layer (LL) is presented, in cooperative relay system over Nakagami-m fading channels with perfect and imperfect channel state information (CSI). In order to maximize spectral efficiency (SE) under delay and packet error rate (PER) performance constraints, a state transition model and an optimization framework with perfect CSI are presented. Then the framework is extended to cooperative relay system with imperfect CSI. The numerical results show that the scheme can achieve maximum SE while satisfying transmitting delay requirements. Compared with the imperfect CSI, the average PER with perfect CSI is much lower and the spectral efficiency is much higher.展开更多
This study involves the applications of different numerical techniques in a more general way to the design of a simulator for an enhanced oil recovery process with surfactant assisted water flooding. The data from a h...This study involves the applications of different numerical techniques in a more general way to the design of a simulator for an enhanced oil recovery process with surfactant assisted water flooding. The data from a hypothetical oil well and a Nigerian oil well were used for the validation of the simulator. The process is represented by a system of nonlinear partial differential equations: the continuity equation for the transport of the components and Darcy’s equation for the phase flow. The orthogonal collocation, finite difference and coherence theory techniques were used in solving the equations that characterized the multidimensional, multiphase and multicomponent flow problem. Matlab computer programs were used for the numerical solution of the model equ- ations. The predicted simulator, obtained from the resulting numerical exercise confers uncondi- tional stability and more insight into the physical reservoir description. The results of the ortho- gonal collocation solution were compared with those of finite difference and coherence solutions. The results indicate that the concentration of surfactants for orthogonal collocation show more features than the predictions of the coherence solution and the finite difference, offering more opportunities for further understanding of the physical nature of the complex problem. We have found out that the partition of the three components between the two-phases determines other physical property data and hence the oil recovery. The oil recovery for the Nigerian oil reservoir is higher than the recovery predicted for the hypothetical crude. The displacement mechanism for the multicomponent and multiphase system is stable in the Nigerian oil reservoir due to the mod- erate value of the oil/water viscosity instead of the hypothetical reservoir with high value of oil/water ratio.展开更多
Currently,energy saving design has been conducted on single building but not on the whole residential community in urban and rural areas.So,the paper has proposed energy saving measures for residential planning from t...Currently,energy saving design has been conducted on single building but not on the whole residential community in urban and rural areas.So,the paper has proposed energy saving measures for residential planning from the perspective of site selection and layout of buildings.Specific measures are as follows.Firstly,buildings should be constructed on the sunny side and leeside;secondly,buildings on the south should be lower than those on the north;the east side of the building should be open while the west side should be closed;thirdly,climate protection unit should be set;fourthly,buildings should be of northsouth direction primarily,and the main room should be set on the east side and the assistant rooms or passage on the west side in the buildings of east-west direction;fifthly,it should select compact and wellarranged households and the units should not be combined in point and dislocation and jointing.展开更多
This chapter starts with an introduction illuminating the theoretical back-ground necessary for taking culture into account in HCI design. Definitions of concepts used are provided followed by a historical overview on...This chapter starts with an introduction illuminating the theoretical back-ground necessary for taking culture into account in HCI design. Definitions of concepts used are provided followed by a historical overview on taking culture into account in HCI design. Subsequently, a glimpse of the current state of research in culture-centered HCI design is derived from secondary literature providing the gist of the structures, processes, methods, models and theoretic approaches concerning the relationship between culture and HCI design (“converging” strategies). After presenting controversies and challenges, a short discussion of results from empirical studies and design recommendations for culture-centered HCI design lead to implications and trends in future intercultural user interface design research to close the knowledge gap (the “divergence”) regarding the relationship between culture and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), i.e. converging the divergence to reach the convergent divergence.展开更多
The effect of various process parameters like welding current, torch height, welding speed and plasma gas flow rate on front melting width, back melting width and weld reinforcement of plasma arc welding on aluminum a...The effect of various process parameters like welding current, torch height, welding speed and plasma gas flow rate on front melting width, back melting width and weld reinforcement of plasma arc welding on aluminum alloy is investigated by using factorial design approach. Variable polarity plasma arc welding is used for welding aluminum alloy. Trail experiments are conducted and the limits of the input process parameters are decided. Two levels and four input process parameters are chosen and experiments are conducted as per typical design matrix considering full factorial design. Total sixteen experiments are conducted and output responses are measured. The coefficients are calculated by using regression analysis and the mathematical models are constructed. By using the mathematical models the main and interaction effect of various process parameters on weld quality is studied.展开更多
BACKGROUND Advances in implant material and design have allowed for improvements in total knee arthroplasty(TKA)outcomes.A cruciate retaining(CR)TKA provides the least constraint of TKA designs by preserving the nativ...BACKGROUND Advances in implant material and design have allowed for improvements in total knee arthroplasty(TKA)outcomes.A cruciate retaining(CR)TKA provides the least constraint of TKA designs by preserving the native posterior cruciate ligament.Limited research exists that has examined clinical outcomes or patient reported outcome measures(PROMs)of a large cohort of patients undergoing a CR TKA utilizing a kinematically designed implant.It was hypothesized that the studied CR Knee System would demonstrate favorable outcomes and a clinically significant improvement in pain and functional scores.AIM To assess both short-term and mid-term clinical outcomes and PROMs of a novel CR TKA design.METHODS A retrospective,multi-surgeon study identified 255 knees undergoing a TKA utilizing a kinematically designed CR Knee System(JOURNEY™II CR;Smith and Nephew,Inc.,Memphis,TN)at an urban,academic medical institution between March 2015 and July 2021 with a minimum of two-years of clinical follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon.Patient demographics,surgical information,clinical outcomes,and PROMs data were collected via query of electronic medical records.The PROMs collected in the present study included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement(KOOS JR)and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System(PROMIS■)scores.The significance of improvements in mean PROM scores from preoperative scores to scores collected at six months and two-years postoperatively was analyzed using Independent Samples t-tests.RESULTS Of the 255 patients,65.5%were female,43.8%were White,and patients had an average age of 60.6 years.Primary osteoarthritis(96.9%)was the most common primary diagnosis.The mean surgical time was 105.3 minutes and mean length of stay was 2.1 d with most patients discharged home(92.5%).There were 18 emergency department(ED)visits within 90 d of surgery resulting in a 90 d ED visit rate of 7.1%,including a 2.4%orthopedic-related ED visit rate and a 4.7%non-orthopedic-related ED visit rate.There were three(1.2%)hospital readmissions within 90 d postoperatively.With a mean time to latest follow-up of 3.3 years,four patients(1.6%)required revision,two for arthrofibrosis,one for aseptic femoral loosening,and one for peri-prosthetic joint infection.There were significant improvements in KOOS JR,PROMIS Pain Intensity,PROMIS Pain Interference,PROMIS Mobility,and PROMIS Physical Health from preoperative scores to six month and two-year postoperative scores.CONCLUSION The evaluated implant is an effective,novel design offering excellent outcomes and low complication rates.At a mean follow up of 3.3 years,four patients required revisions,three aseptic and one septic,resulting in an overall implant survival rate of 98.4%and an aseptic survival rate of 98.8%.The results of our study demonstrate the utility of this kinematically designed implant in the setting of primary TKA.展开更多
Six categories of systematic 2n-(n-k) designs derivable from the full 2k factorial experiment by the interactions-main effects assignment are available for carrying out 2n-(n-k) factorial experiments sequentially run ...Six categories of systematic 2n-(n-k) designs derivable from the full 2k factorial experiment by the interactions-main effects assignment are available for carrying out 2n-(n-k) factorial experiments sequentially run after the other such that main effects are protected against the linear/quadratic time trend and/or such that the number of factor level changes (i.e. cost) between the runs is minimal. Three of these six categories are of resolution at least III and three are of resolution at least IV. The three categories of designs within each resolution are: 1) minimum cost 2n-(n-k) designs, 2) minimum cost linear trend free 2n-(n-k) designs and 3) minimum cost linear and quadratic trend free 2n-(n-k) designs. This paper characterizes these six categories and documents their differences with regard to either time trend resistance of factor effects and/or the number of factor level changes. The paper introduces the last category of systematic 2n-(n-k) designs (i.e. the sixth) for the purpose of extending the design resolution from III into IV and also for raising the level of protection of main effects from the linear time trend into the quadratic, where a catalog of minimum cost linear and quadratic trend free 2n-(n-k) designs (of resolution at least IV) will be proposed. The paper provides for each design in any of the six categories: 1) the sequence of its runs in minimum number of factor level changes 2) the defining relation or its 2n-(n-k) alias structure and 3) the k independent generators needed for sequencing the 2n-(n-k) runs by the generalized foldover scheme. A comparison among these six categories of designs reveals that when the polynomial degree of the time trend increases from linear into quadratic and/or when the design’s resolution increases from III to IV, the number of factor level changes between the 2n-(n-k) runs increases. Also as the number of factors (i.e. n) increases, the design’s resolution decreases.展开更多
A novel integrated water treatment facility, inner-recycling continuous sand filter, is discussed. The theory of micro-flocculation is applied in the sand-washing circulation system with continuous filtration and back...A novel integrated water treatment facility, inner-recycling continuous sand filter, is discussed. The theory of micro-flocculation is applied in the sand-washing circulation system with continuous filtration and backwashing. The design and operation parameters, which affect the performance of the filter, are discussed. The key design parameters are provided as follows: diameter of filter material is 0.7 to 1.0 mm, depth of filter bed is 0.6 m, filtration velocity is less than 12 m/h, ratio of gas to water is 9:11 and sand recycling rate is 2 to 4 mm/min.展开更多
文摘A method-mix for intercultural user interface design (IUID) is explained and exemplified by application examples based on a hybrid approach covering cultural contexts in human-computer interaction (HCI) design using a model of culturally influenced HCI. Cultural influence on HCI is described using cultural variables for user interface design. Assumptions and empirical results regarding the influence of culture on HCI, considering the path of the information processing and the interaction style between Chinese and German users are explained based on cultural models. Subsequent indicators represent the relationship between culture and HCI (culturally imprinted by the user). Correlations adopted theoretically between cultural dimensions and variables for HCI design were investigated. These correlations represent relevant constituents of a model for culturally influenced HCI. Considerations applying this model and evidence for the proper application of the IUID method-mix are presented elucidating why and how cultural aspects play a role in HCI design and usability/UX engineering. The IUID method-mix serves to inspire HCI engineers in the requirement analysis phase as well as HCI designers in the design phase. The readers are thereby sensitized to the challenges of intercultural usability/UX engineering and intercultural HCI design and will be equipped with methodological knowledge relevant to the derivation of design recommendations for user interface design for and in their desired cultural contexts. Finally, implications for practitioners are shown, including HCI style scores and practical design recommendations, to prognosticate the effort and the expenditures for considering the cultural context in IUID.
文摘The design of mini-missiles(MMs)presents several novel challenges.The stringent mission requirement to reach a target with a certain precision imposes a high guidance precision.The miniaturization of the size of MMs makes the design of the guidance,navigation,and control(GNC)have a larger-thanbefore impact on the main-body design(shape,motor,and layout design)and its design objective,i.e.,flight performance.Pursuing a trade-off between flight performance and guidance precision,all the relevant interactions have to be accounted for in the design of the main body and the GNC system.Herein,a multi-objective and multidisciplinary design optimization(MDO)is proposed.Disciplines pertinent to motor,aerodynamics,layout,trajectory,flight dynamics,control,and guidance are included in the proposed MDO framework.The optimization problem seeks to maximize the range and minimize the guidance error.The problem is solved by using the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II.An optimum design that balances a longer range with a smaller guidance error is obtained.Finally,lessons learned about the design of the MM and insights into the trade-off between flight performance and guidance precision are given by comparing the optimum design to a design provided by the traditional approach.
文摘Automatically mapping a requirement specification to design model in Software Engineering is an open complex problem. Existing methods use a complex manual process that use the knowledge from the requirement specification/modeling and the design, and try to find a good match between them. The key task done by designers is to convert a natural language based requirement specification (or corresponding UML based representation) into a predominantly computer language based design model—thus the process is very complex as there is a very large gap between our natural language and computer language. Moreover, this is not just a simple language conversion, but rather a complex knowledge conversion that can lead to meaningful design implementation. In this paper, we describe an automated method to map Requirement Model to Design Model and thus automate/partially automate the Structured Design (SD) process. We believe, this is the first logical step in mapping a more complex requirement specification to design model. We call it IRTDM (Intelligent Agent based requirement model to design model mapping). The main theme of IRTDM is to use some AI (Artificial Intelligence) based algorithms, semantic representation using Ontology or Predicate Logic, design structures using some well known design framework and Machine Learning algorithms for learning over time. Semantics help convert natural language based requirement specification (and associated UML representation) into high level design model followed by mapping to design structures. AI method can also be used to convert high level design structures into lower level design which then can be refined further by some manual and/or semi automated process. We emphasize that automation is one of the key ways to minimize the software cost, and is very important for all, especially, for the “Design for the Bottom 90% People” or BOP (Base of the Pyramid People).
文摘After analysis of location feature of the south of lower reaches of Yangtze River and its construction of urban and rural integration,the paper pointed out harmonious combination between natural and artificial factors had been neglected in planning and design of farmers' residential area at the south of lower reaches of Yangtze River,"regional characteristic" losing,residential area in the form of "city community" and buildings in European style.In view of these problems,relevant planning and design thoughts and methods had been proposed as to how to create "regional characteristic" from the perspective of planning,architecture and landscape design.It discussed with emphasis the importance of construction base type and combination of environment with residential area construction;inspirations and design methods obtained from traditional architectures;and the content of landscape overall planning and specific design.It was hoped to enlighten designers to shoulder social and historical responsibility,make exploration unremittingly,and construct beautiful homelands for people.
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant Number 2021YFB1714600)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Number 52075195)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China through Program No.2172019kfyXJJS078.
文摘With the continuous advancement in topology optimization and additive manufacturing(AM)technology,the capability to fabricate functionally graded materials and intricate cellular structures with spatially varying microstructures has grown significantly.However,a critical challenge is encountered in the design of these structures–the absence of robust interface connections between adjacent microstructures,potentially resulting in diminished efficiency or macroscopic failure.A Hybrid Level Set Method(HLSM)is proposed,specifically designed to enhance connectivity among non-uniform microstructures,contributing to the design of functionally graded cellular structures.The HLSM introduces a pioneering algorithm for effectively blending heterogeneous microstructure interfaces.Initially,an interpolation algorithm is presented to construct transition microstructures seamlessly connected on both sides.Subsequently,the algorithm enables the morphing of non-uniform unit cells to seamlessly adapt to interconnected adjacent microstructures.The method,seamlessly integrated into a multi-scale topology optimization framework using the level set method,exhibits its efficacy through numerical examples,showcasing its prowess in optimizing 2D and 3D functionally graded materials(FGM)and multi-scale topology optimization.In essence,the pressing issue of interface connections in complex structure design is not only addressed but also a robust methodology is introduced,substantiated by numerical evidence,advancing optimization capabilities in the realm of functionally graded materials and cellular structures.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation(51178478)
文摘Due to the high cost for operating and maintaining waterscapes, waterscapes in many residential areas have been laid aside and even become pollution sources. Taking MCC Beiluyuan (Residential Area) in Chongqing Municipality for example, concrete strategies of using natural terrains to design rain garden and eco-pool, collect rainwater, construct bottom of the bath, and combine plants were introduced, so as to explore a new approach of creating green and ecological modern residential landscapes.
文摘One of the major challenges in designing and fabricating Spintronic devices is the choice of both, Materials and the Technology, along with understanding the intricacies of the Designing aspects. In this communication, we have attempted to briefly discuss these factors, with an aim to draw the attention of the Materials Scientists and Technologists to this serious challenge, in the direction of which, though a lot of research and development work has been done, still needs more concerted efforts to be made in order to make the Spintronic devices that can offer good efficiency for maximizing their usefulness.
文摘Objective: This paper reviewed and examined the quality of all the qualitative evaluation studies indexed by two key search terms of “qualitative” and “evaluation” in the Social Work Abstracts database from 1990 to 2003 against a number of criteria typically adopted in the field of qualitative research. The review led to a dissatisfactory finding of the low quality of many qualitative evaluation studies due to their insensitivity to the following issues: philosophical basis of the study, auditability (detailed documentation of the participants and data collecting procedure), biases (acknowledgement of biases and preoccupation, and steps to deal with them), credibility or trustworthiness (triangulation, peer checking and participant verification of the findings), consistency (reliability consciousness and audit trails), and critical interpretation of the data (alternative explanations, disconfirming evidence, and limitations of the study). It was recommended that researchers be cautious when utilizing findings from the published qualitative evaluation studies; that social workers be sensitive to the issue of quality when conducting qualitative evaluation studies; that researchers be critical when judging the qualitative evaluation studies in social work; that researchers develop a clear set of guidelines for qualitative studies; that social work training institutes design qualified qualitative research courses; that a database of social work in China be established; that researchers be engaged in more qualitative studies that demonstrate high quality; that myths in qualitative research be debunked; and that adequate training for social workers on qualitative evaluation studies be provided.
基金Sponsored by the National Science and Technology Major Special Project of China (Grant No.2011ZX03003-003-02)the Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 60972070)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing (Grant No. CSTC2009BA2090)the Foundation of Chongqing Educational Committee ( Grant No. KJ100514)the Special Fund of Chongqing Key Laboratory
文摘A cross-layer design which combines adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) at the physical layer with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) protocol at the data link layer (LL) is presented, in cooperative relay system over Nakagami-m fading channels with perfect and imperfect channel state information (CSI). In order to maximize spectral efficiency (SE) under delay and packet error rate (PER) performance constraints, a state transition model and an optimization framework with perfect CSI are presented. Then the framework is extended to cooperative relay system with imperfect CSI. The numerical results show that the scheme can achieve maximum SE while satisfying transmitting delay requirements. Compared with the imperfect CSI, the average PER with perfect CSI is much lower and the spectral efficiency is much higher.
文摘This study involves the applications of different numerical techniques in a more general way to the design of a simulator for an enhanced oil recovery process with surfactant assisted water flooding. The data from a hypothetical oil well and a Nigerian oil well were used for the validation of the simulator. The process is represented by a system of nonlinear partial differential equations: the continuity equation for the transport of the components and Darcy’s equation for the phase flow. The orthogonal collocation, finite difference and coherence theory techniques were used in solving the equations that characterized the multidimensional, multiphase and multicomponent flow problem. Matlab computer programs were used for the numerical solution of the model equ- ations. The predicted simulator, obtained from the resulting numerical exercise confers uncondi- tional stability and more insight into the physical reservoir description. The results of the ortho- gonal collocation solution were compared with those of finite difference and coherence solutions. The results indicate that the concentration of surfactants for orthogonal collocation show more features than the predictions of the coherence solution and the finite difference, offering more opportunities for further understanding of the physical nature of the complex problem. We have found out that the partition of the three components between the two-phases determines other physical property data and hence the oil recovery. The oil recovery for the Nigerian oil reservoir is higher than the recovery predicted for the hypothetical crude. The displacement mechanism for the multicomponent and multiphase system is stable in the Nigerian oil reservoir due to the mod- erate value of the oil/water viscosity instead of the hypothetical reservoir with high value of oil/water ratio.
文摘Currently,energy saving design has been conducted on single building but not on the whole residential community in urban and rural areas.So,the paper has proposed energy saving measures for residential planning from the perspective of site selection and layout of buildings.Specific measures are as follows.Firstly,buildings should be constructed on the sunny side and leeside;secondly,buildings on the south should be lower than those on the north;the east side of the building should be open while the west side should be closed;thirdly,climate protection unit should be set;fourthly,buildings should be of northsouth direction primarily,and the main room should be set on the east side and the assistant rooms or passage on the west side in the buildings of east-west direction;fifthly,it should select compact and wellarranged households and the units should not be combined in point and dislocation and jointing.
文摘This chapter starts with an introduction illuminating the theoretical back-ground necessary for taking culture into account in HCI design. Definitions of concepts used are provided followed by a historical overview on taking culture into account in HCI design. Subsequently, a glimpse of the current state of research in culture-centered HCI design is derived from secondary literature providing the gist of the structures, processes, methods, models and theoretic approaches concerning the relationship between culture and HCI design (“converging” strategies). After presenting controversies and challenges, a short discussion of results from empirical studies and design recommendations for culture-centered HCI design lead to implications and trends in future intercultural user interface design research to close the knowledge gap (the “divergence”) regarding the relationship between culture and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), i.e. converging the divergence to reach the convergent divergence.
文摘The effect of various process parameters like welding current, torch height, welding speed and plasma gas flow rate on front melting width, back melting width and weld reinforcement of plasma arc welding on aluminum alloy is investigated by using factorial design approach. Variable polarity plasma arc welding is used for welding aluminum alloy. Trail experiments are conducted and the limits of the input process parameters are decided. Two levels and four input process parameters are chosen and experiments are conducted as per typical design matrix considering full factorial design. Total sixteen experiments are conducted and output responses are measured. The coefficients are calculated by using regression analysis and the mathematical models are constructed. By using the mathematical models the main and interaction effect of various process parameters on weld quality is studied.
文摘BACKGROUND Advances in implant material and design have allowed for improvements in total knee arthroplasty(TKA)outcomes.A cruciate retaining(CR)TKA provides the least constraint of TKA designs by preserving the native posterior cruciate ligament.Limited research exists that has examined clinical outcomes or patient reported outcome measures(PROMs)of a large cohort of patients undergoing a CR TKA utilizing a kinematically designed implant.It was hypothesized that the studied CR Knee System would demonstrate favorable outcomes and a clinically significant improvement in pain and functional scores.AIM To assess both short-term and mid-term clinical outcomes and PROMs of a novel CR TKA design.METHODS A retrospective,multi-surgeon study identified 255 knees undergoing a TKA utilizing a kinematically designed CR Knee System(JOURNEY™II CR;Smith and Nephew,Inc.,Memphis,TN)at an urban,academic medical institution between March 2015 and July 2021 with a minimum of two-years of clinical follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon.Patient demographics,surgical information,clinical outcomes,and PROMs data were collected via query of electronic medical records.The PROMs collected in the present study included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement(KOOS JR)and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System(PROMIS■)scores.The significance of improvements in mean PROM scores from preoperative scores to scores collected at six months and two-years postoperatively was analyzed using Independent Samples t-tests.RESULTS Of the 255 patients,65.5%were female,43.8%were White,and patients had an average age of 60.6 years.Primary osteoarthritis(96.9%)was the most common primary diagnosis.The mean surgical time was 105.3 minutes and mean length of stay was 2.1 d with most patients discharged home(92.5%).There were 18 emergency department(ED)visits within 90 d of surgery resulting in a 90 d ED visit rate of 7.1%,including a 2.4%orthopedic-related ED visit rate and a 4.7%non-orthopedic-related ED visit rate.There were three(1.2%)hospital readmissions within 90 d postoperatively.With a mean time to latest follow-up of 3.3 years,four patients(1.6%)required revision,two for arthrofibrosis,one for aseptic femoral loosening,and one for peri-prosthetic joint infection.There were significant improvements in KOOS JR,PROMIS Pain Intensity,PROMIS Pain Interference,PROMIS Mobility,and PROMIS Physical Health from preoperative scores to six month and two-year postoperative scores.CONCLUSION The evaluated implant is an effective,novel design offering excellent outcomes and low complication rates.At a mean follow up of 3.3 years,four patients required revisions,three aseptic and one septic,resulting in an overall implant survival rate of 98.4%and an aseptic survival rate of 98.8%.The results of our study demonstrate the utility of this kinematically designed implant in the setting of primary TKA.
文摘Six categories of systematic 2n-(n-k) designs derivable from the full 2k factorial experiment by the interactions-main effects assignment are available for carrying out 2n-(n-k) factorial experiments sequentially run after the other such that main effects are protected against the linear/quadratic time trend and/or such that the number of factor level changes (i.e. cost) between the runs is minimal. Three of these six categories are of resolution at least III and three are of resolution at least IV. The three categories of designs within each resolution are: 1) minimum cost 2n-(n-k) designs, 2) minimum cost linear trend free 2n-(n-k) designs and 3) minimum cost linear and quadratic trend free 2n-(n-k) designs. This paper characterizes these six categories and documents their differences with regard to either time trend resistance of factor effects and/or the number of factor level changes. The paper introduces the last category of systematic 2n-(n-k) designs (i.e. the sixth) for the purpose of extending the design resolution from III into IV and also for raising the level of protection of main effects from the linear time trend into the quadratic, where a catalog of minimum cost linear and quadratic trend free 2n-(n-k) designs (of resolution at least IV) will be proposed. The paper provides for each design in any of the six categories: 1) the sequence of its runs in minimum number of factor level changes 2) the defining relation or its 2n-(n-k) alias structure and 3) the k independent generators needed for sequencing the 2n-(n-k) runs by the generalized foldover scheme. A comparison among these six categories of designs reveals that when the polynomial degree of the time trend increases from linear into quadratic and/or when the design’s resolution increases from III to IV, the number of factor level changes between the 2n-(n-k) runs increases. Also as the number of factors (i.e. n) increases, the design’s resolution decreases.
文摘A novel integrated water treatment facility, inner-recycling continuous sand filter, is discussed. The theory of micro-flocculation is applied in the sand-washing circulation system with continuous filtration and backwashing. The design and operation parameters, which affect the performance of the filter, are discussed. The key design parameters are provided as follows: diameter of filter material is 0.7 to 1.0 mm, depth of filter bed is 0.6 m, filtration velocity is less than 12 m/h, ratio of gas to water is 9:11 and sand recycling rate is 2 to 4 mm/min.